Teriyaki with a Nordic Twist

Ingredients

While the original Japanese teriyaki relies heavily on soy sauce and mirin, this Nordic-inspired version incorporates locally sourced ingredients such as lingonberries and dill to add a unique twist. The use of honey instead of sugar enhances the natural sweetness, and the addition of juniper berries brings a subtle earthy flavor to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Teriyaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lingonberry jam 2 tablespoons lingonberry jam
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon juniper berries, crushed 1 teaspoon juniper berries, crushed
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lingonberry jam, honey, apple cider vinegar, dill, juniper berries, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the teriyaki marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
5. 5.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips.
6. 6.
   Serve the Nordic-inspired teriyaki chicken over a bed of steamed quinoa or barley, garnished with fresh dill. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lingonberry jam — Use a high-quality lingonberry jam for the best flavor.
• Fresh dill — If fresh dill is not available, you can substitute it with dried dill, but use half the amount.
• Juniper berries — Crush the juniper berries using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their flavor.
• Vegetable oil — Canola oil or sunflower oil can be used as alternatives.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken instead of pan-frying it.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Serve the teriyaki chicken with a side of roasted root vegetables for a complete Nordic meal.
• Experiment with different types of berries, such as cloudberries or bilberries, for a unique twist.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of soy sauce in the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Nordic-inspired teriyaki chicken as a main course, accompanied by a side of steamed quinoa or barley. Garnish with fresh dill for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced teriyaki chicken on a plate, drizzle some of the thickened sauce over it, and sprinkle with additional chopped dill. Serve with a side of steamed quinoa or barley and roasted root vegetables for an appealing and balanced presentation.